Community Short Breaks Practitioner

Community Short Breaks Practitioner
Salary: £26,006.84 per annum, pro rata 
Location: Blantyre, South Lanarkshire
Contract/Hours: Permanent / Part Time roles with a range of flexible options — choose from 8, 12, 16 or 20‑hour contracts to fit around your lifestyle, studies or other commitments. Shifts: Evenings, weekends and school holidays

Closing date for applications is midnight of Monday 1st June and interview dates are likel 4th, 5th, 8th June

Benefits:  

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave 
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages 
• Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover 
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers 

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

In this role, you’ll provide one‑to‑one support to young people aged 5–23. Every child is unique, so your support will be shaped around their individual needs, interests, personality and strengths. Each young person has a detailed, well‑researched care plan that is guided by their own voice and choices.

A key part of the role involves getting out into the community with the young people—helping them try new things, enjoy everyday activities, and explore what they love. This could include trips to parks, swimming, bowling, the cinema, shopping, travelling by bus or train, or visiting cafés, clubs and museums.

You’ll also spend time at our Community Hub, running small group activities such as arts and crafts, group games, or sessions that help build life skills. You’ll support children to understand boundaries, relationships and positive behaviour, while ensuring they have plenty of fun. Some young people may display challenging behaviour at times, so we’re looking for someone calm, patient, understanding and compassionate—someone who can be a steady, positive role model.

About the Service 

Silverton’s Community Hub is an exciting project that builds on the success of our residential service in Hamilton. Our mission is to support families who have a child with a disability, helping each young person feel included in their community, enjoy the simple joys of childhood, and grow in confidence. At the same time, we work alongside families to strengthen their resilience and help them feel more able to manage the everyday challenges of caring.

Demand for our service is high, and we offer support across all seven days of the week, with additional hours often available.

Service operating time: Monday & Tuesday - 9.30-7pm, Wednesday 12-8.30pm, Thursday 9-8.30pm, Friday 9-8pm, Saturday 9.30-8pm and Sunday 9.30-5.30pm.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities of a Community Short Breaks Practitioner role are;

• Supporting young people with a learning disability to feel included, valued and visible within their community.
• Providing practical and emotional support, including personal care, while helping to maintain a clean, safe and nurturing environment.
• Encouraging young people to learn, explore and have fun in safe, supportive settings.
• Creating spaces where they can relax, spend time with friends and enjoy themselves.
• Helping each young person build towards a positive, confident and fulfilling future.
• Supporting in all areas of daily life, promoting their wellbeing, health and happiness.

Let’s talk about you

• Experience working in a care setting, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships.
• Confidence using a range of communication approaches to engage effectively with young people and their families.
• A calm, solution focused approach when facing challenges, both independently and as part of a supportive team.
• Emotional resilience and the ability to remain steady, patient and encouraging during the more demanding moments of the role.
• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or an equivalent qualification). If you don’t yet have this, you’ll need to be willing to complete it within two years of joining us, and we’ll provide full support to help you achieve it.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters. 

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here. 

Will you join us?

Contact: Please submit an application via our careers page. If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13131

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Job description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

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Please note we're unable to offer sponsorship for this role.